RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) – Barrister Salman Safdar, counsel for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has confirmed meeting the former prime minister and his wife, Bushra Bibi, at Adiala jail, ending months of restrictions on his access to the incarcerated couple.
In a statement shared on social media platform X on Monday, Safdar said he met Imran and Bushra during a visit to the Rawalpindi prison. He described the meeting as his first with the PTI founder in seven months and with Bushra in 11 months.
The lawyer said the meeting lasted approximately 40 minutes, which he considered insufficient to address all pending cases and legal matters involving the couple.
According to Safdar, both Imran and Bushra discussed their health and living conditions in prison and provided fresh instructions regarding various legal proceedings.
Safdar’s previous publicly reported meeting with Imran took place on April 8, following directions from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) requiring authorities to facilitate access to the former premier.
Earlier, on February 10, the lawyer had also met Imran following Supreme Court directions amid concerns surrounding the PTI founder’s health.
The IHC has previously permitted Imran to meet his family members, lawyers and other associates twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, PTI leaders and members of the former prime minister’s family have repeatedly complained that these meetings have not been facilitated regularly in recent months despite judicial directions.
Concerns over Imran Khan’s health
Imran’s medical condition has remained a major point of contention between the PTI and the government.
His right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), an eye condition affecting blood circulation in the retina, came to light in late January. He subsequently underwent medical procedures at the government-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
His family has called for him to receive treatment at a hospital of their choice and raised concerns about access to his personal doctors.
The PTI and Imran’s family have accused the government of failing to ensure transparency regarding his medical treatment and restricting access to his personal physicians.
The government, however, has rejected the allegations.
Legal cases and imprisonment
Imran has remained in custody since August 5, 2023, when he was imprisoned following his conviction in a Toshakhana case involving the disclosure of gifts received during his tenure as prime minister.
He and Bushra Bibi are also serving 14-year prison sentences in the £190 million corruption case, commonly known as the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The couple received further convictions in another Toshakhana case in December 2025, with Imran sentenced to 10 years and Bushra to seven years, according to the report.
The former prime minister also faces pending proceedings in cases relating to the May 9, 2023 riots.
Meanwhile, Imran’s sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, along with opposition leaders, have repeatedly organised demonstrations outside Adiala jail, demanding his release and access to him.
Their protests were disrupted following their detention in late September under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, as the PTI prepared for a protest march towards Islamabad.
Safdar’s latest meeting has provided an opportunity for the incarcerated PTI leadership to communicate legal instructions to their counsel, although the lawyer maintained that the limited duration prevented a comprehensive discussion of all outstanding matters.
